Titan LNG Commits to Building First LNG Bunkering Pontoon in Europe
Titan LNG, one of the leading suppliers of LNG to the marine and industrial markets in North West Europe, has taken the final investment decision (FID) on the first LNG bunkering pontoon in Europe, the Titan LNG FlexFueler1. The FlexFueler1 has been financed with support from the Province of North-Holland.
The FlexFueler1 will be operational from Q3 2018. The pontoon will be stationed in the Port of Amsterdam where it will serve as a stationary delivery location to inland water barges and small seagoing vessels. Vessels that require bunkers to be delivered while simultaneously loading and discharging their own cargo, will be served by deploying the FlexFueler alongside these larger vessels throughout the ARA region, the world’s second largest bunkering hub.
Titan LNG has received several enquiries for FlexFuelers in other regions, which are currently being developed. Having the ability to deliver LNG in a range from 30 to 600 cubic metres (cbm) per hour, the FlexFueler1 is initially outfitted with two 380cbm tanks, with the option to add two further tanks in line with increasing market demand.
Revisions to IMO Annex VI will see the sulphur content of fuels burned limited to a maximum of 0.5% from 2020 on a global basis to reduce SOx emissions. For vessels operating in Emission Control Areas (ECAs), like the North Sea and The Baltic Sea, an even lower percentage of 0.1% is applicable. This impending regulation has triggered increasing interest from ship owners and operators seeking cleaner, compliant and cost-effective fuels. LNG meets all IMO Annex VI SOx emissions standards from 2020, while greatly reducing levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).